For Those About to Rock . . .

. . . they'd better stretch first

Sun 1/11
If you've been searching for an ultimate runner's high, P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is the answer. More than 50 bands set the tempo for the race, which winds from Wesley Bolin Memorial Park through Papago Park and into downtown Tempe. Local bands, playing everything from pop to hillbilly, entertain runners at every mile of a full and half-marathon. The Goo Goo Dolls cap off the event with an 8 p.m. headlining performance at Tempe Beach Park. Cash prizes are offered for both men and women, as well as for various age groups and wheelchair competitors. Start time is 7:45 a.m. (7:35 a.m. for the wheelchair race) Sunday, January 11. Registration is $95 for the full marathon, $60 for the half. Register online at www.rnraz.com or e-mail rnraz@eliteracing.com for a mail-in form. See the Web site for directions and racing restrictions. - Ashlea Deahl

Nuggets of Truth

The Suns take on Denver

Elite Rancing Inc

Rock n' Run: P.F. Chang's Rock n' Roll Marathon hits the streets.

Bruce Reade

Full court press: Because of recent trades, the Suns game against the Nuggets should be close.

Tue 1/3
Now that LeBron "King" James has made his one and only appearance in Phoenix this season, it's 'Melo's turn to make his push for Rookie of the Year honors against the Suns and 2003's teenage phenom, Amare Stoudemire, on Tuesday, January 13, at America West Arena. Carmelo Anthony, who jumped to the NBA after leading Syracuse to last year's NCAA championship in just his freshman season, has the Denver Nuggets actually playing like a professional basketball team. So, as opposed to seasons past -- especially now that the Suns have traded away Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway -- this game is no longer the Suns slam dunk it once was. For tickets, call 1-800-4NBA-TIX. - Joe Watson

Cross Purposes

Supercross zooms into BOB

1/9-1/10
Fans of high-flying motorcycles can get a fix this weekend when Bank One Ballpark hosts the THQ World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series. The extravaganza begins Friday, January 9, with the Supercross Fan Fest, a two-day street festival featuring live music, Supercross team Q&A sessions, autograph opportunities and a mini-cycle exhibition. Seasoned riders attack the monster course in the main event Saturday evening, January 10, following an afternoon of qualifying sessions for the 125cc and 250cc racing events. The Supercross Series invades Phoenix at 1 p.m. Friday at BOB, 401 East Jefferson. Stadium doors open at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, with the main event at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets, $10 to $45, by phone at 480-784-4444.